…the NEPC’s State Coordinator expressed satisfaction with the quality and craftsmanship of leather goods produced in the market.
OGBUNIKE, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has announced plans to formalise the exportation of leather products manufactured in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, as part of its nationwide “Double Your Export” initiative.
Speaking during a working visit to the Shoe Shared Facility in Ogbunike, the NEPC’s State Coordinator, Mr. Peter Udom, expressed satisfaction with the quality and craftsmanship of leather goods produced in the market.
“Your products meet the required international standards. We urge you, especially the corps members involved in shoemaking, to register your export activities to benefit from government support,” Udom said.
He described the Ogbunike facility as a potential game-changer for Nigeria’s non-oil export drive and emphasized the Council’s readiness to work with local manufacturers to access global markets.
During the inspection, Mr. Innocent Chukwuebuka, Chairman of the Ogbunike Shoe Manufacturers, welcomed the NEPC delegation and outlined key challenges affecting production, including lack of reliable electricity, rising diesel costs, and minimal government assistance.
“We are prepared to register with the Council and meet the necessary conditions for exporting our products,” Chukwuebuka said, noting that despite infrastructural limitations, the group remains determined to take their products beyond Nigeria.
The Ogbunike shoe hub is known for producing a diverse range of handmade leather products from sandals and boots to belts and bags largely crafted by young artisans and corps members trained in vocational manufacturing.
The NEPC’s move is expected to not only open new export opportunities for Anambra’s leather industry but also empower local entrepreneurs and artisans to scale up production through formal global trade channels.
As part of next steps, the Council is expected to conduct further training and registration drives to support producers in meeting international packaging, certification, and documentation standards.
